Stay Grounded with Raj Jana

“Even when you’re firing on all cylinders there’s always something falling behind that you can improve on” Edward Bryan is my incredible personal trainer who I work with in Houston, Texas. But rewind to his youth, and you’d never imagine health and fitness would be his path. At the age of 17, Edward weighed 380lbs. He was also diagnosed with hypertension and atrial fibrillation - an incredibly rare condition for a man of his age. So he took the meds he was prescribed and kept partying and ignoring his health. Until he hit 22. It started out as a day just like any other, but ended with a 19 hour stint in the emergency room. Edward was used to his heart playing up, but this episode was different. The medics couldn’t reset its rhythm and he was threatened with heart surgery. After being prescribed two additional meds with terrifying side-effects, Edward realized this was the point his life had to change. And from that moment forward, Edward has taken total responsibility for his health - with incredible results. Despite the odds, he lost his weight, became a highly sought after personal trainer, and dropped all medication bar a beta blocker. “I’m always trying to break myself every single day to humble me… it helps me keep rolling.”  Edward is an inspiring person to train with, but it’s not just his PT skills that motivate me. What I love most about Edward is that he hacked his way from conventional thought and experimented until he found a way that worked for him. From figuring out what triggered his heart episodes to testing diets to understand what would help him thrive, Edward is constantly looking to improve. He’s proof that even when the medical profession say life is going to be a particular way, you DON’T have to accept their diagnosis. Instead, with the right commitment, discipline, and gratitude, you can make the most of the hand you’ve been dealt to live an incredible life. Check out Edward’s story and see for yourself. “I was comfortable being medicated and I was comfortable with my diseases. I realized if I got that far back on my own, I can claw my way forward on my own.” Some questions I ask: What kind of mindset did it take for you to start ‘testing’ on yourself? (11:26)It’s so easy to blame, but hard to take ownership. Once you decided to take responsibility for your life, how did your mindset and other things change? (14:04)What tips can you share with people who feel comfortable with their life and want to take action to move forward before they hit rock bottom? (17:45)Walk me through your daily routine. How do you squeeze in all the activities that help you make the most of life? (21:44)How does gratitude play a role in your daily life? (25:49)Can you share some of the resources that you found helpful when you were getting healthy? (33:30)In the midst of everything that’s happened, how do you keep the train moving? (37:18) In this episode, you will hear about: The trigger that set Edward’s life on a whole new path. (1:33)The discovery that changed Edward’s diet and how it helped him lose 100lbs. (8:30)The little talked about problem with high grain, carbohydrate diets. (10:42)The mindset Edward’s mum installed that paved the way for him to heal himself. (11:38)Why medication represented complacency and only led to Edward digging himself a deeper hole. (14:28)Why waking up seriously early helps him stay humble and appreciative. (21:58)How coffee features in Edward’s day. (24:07)The insight that helped Edward get off all his meds but one. (26:51)Why a job at the ‘Y’ was the stepping stone into a personal training career. (29:58)How life coaching changed his life. (33:56)The inspiration behind Edward’s decision to become a Primal Health Coach. (35:36)Why ‘cheat days’ are unavoidable and necessary. (38:12) How to contact EdwardYou can discover more about Edward at www.grindtothrive.com.If you live local to Houston, Texas you’ll find Edward at www.c4athlete.com where he offers personal training services.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“You are the best doctor for your body. You are the best therapist for your mind. You’ve just got to do the work.” Rewind the clock 4 ½ years and today’s guest was recovering from a heart attack. The cumulative effect of a lifetime on the stage had led to everything from diabetes to sleep apnea, to fertility problems, heart disease, and seriously high cholesterol. But there was something about facing death that shifted professional comedian, Matt Kazam’s perspective. He shocked him to realize that despite doing the work he was born to do, he was still unhappy. But in the face of his own mortality he became more open-minded. He didn’t want to die, he didn’t want to pump himself full of medication. Instead wanted to figure out a ‘real’ way to live a life of joy, health, and happiness.  And it was this insight that transformed his life. “If you created a blueprint for unhappiness, it would be how western society lives its life.”  In this episode, Matt shares how he went about undoing 45 years of living the wrong way. More than fixing his diet, Matt’s story is one of rewiring and re-booting. He attacked his problem from a place of logic and common sense and went back to the way we’re supposed to live our lives. With a day-to-day structured around rituals and routines that fill Matt with health, positivity and happiness, Matt’s story is an example of what’s possible when you take charge of your life. This is a guy who couldn’t tie his shoes - yet six months later he ran a half-marathon. This is a man who was infertile - but now he’s the inspirational dad to a beautiful three-year-old. This is an ‘unhappy comic’ who recognised that we’re meant to be happy, positive creatures - so he created a blueprint that allowed him to experience that truth.  Matt’s passion for his journey flows out of every pore. His excitement for life and his passion for figuring out the path to happiness is an inspiration. So listen in and I’m certain Matt will help you see your world through fresh new eyes. He may even inspire you to start a journey of transformation for yourself. “If you’re looking for joy where joy doesn’t exist,you’re NEVER going to find it.” Some questions I ask: What did your day look like before you transformed your lifestyle? (6:33)What does your day look like now? (13:58)Why do you think your routines and rituals are so effective at keeping you in line? (25:54)How do your non-negotiables help you make happiness a daily priority? (31:10)If someone feels at rock bottom or they’re not where they want to be, what advice or tips do you have to help them start out on the road to change? (41:07)How do you stay grounded so you don’t slip back into the way you were? (55:33) In this episode, you will hear about: The decision that kick-started Matt’s new path. (Spoiler. It was much more than his diet). (3:35)The real reason Matt’s previous life had led him down the road to unhappiness. (8:16)The name Matt chose for his daughter that celebrates his journey. (8:56)The number 360 and why better nutrition and health alone aren’t enough to feel happy. (9:48)The quote that has become Matt’s mantra - and how it guides his life each day. (11:39)What Matt’s morning juice means to him (14:25)The critical role coffee plays in Matt’s day. (19:49)Why Matt lingers at the grocery store and how this plays into his new rules for food. (23:00)The single biggest thing he’s learnt on his journey. (24:14)What Matt has to say about gratitude and how he uses it as fuel to pay it forward. (34:08)Matt’s inspiring connection with veterans suffering from PTSD. (38:40)Why you need to be aware of the status quo and the power of THREE DAYS. (42:00)The importance of getting away from the television - and what you can do instead. (51:00)Why his mother’s ‘turkey tray’ was a trigger for his new lifestyle. (53:30)The wake up call of infertility and how being a dad is now a guiding force for the future. (55:50) How to contact MattYou can discover more about Matt’s work at www.theylaughyouwin.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“If I’m going to make a dent in this world, I have only a certain amount of time… So rather than watch that time be wasted away, I’d rather be intentional with it.” Along with his wife Shannon, Bryan Miles is committed to rewriting the workplace mindset. Driven by his manifesto that “the way we work doesn’t work anymore”, Bryan inspires businesses to liberate their employees and transform their culture with remote working. Far from losing control over staff, Bryan argues home-based workers are happier and more productive. With more autonomy over their day, working from home allows people to contribute more to their family life - as well as someone else’s place of work. As a result, they’re more motivated to do their best work for their employer. This is something Bryan has experienced first-hand. With over 600 remote-working employees, Bryan believes working for his company - BELAY Solutions - ruins staff for anyone else! When people experience a culture of trust, autonomy, and freedom, they don’t want to settle for anything less. “When I pray I don’t just beg for wisdom. I beg for the courage to act when I get that wisdom.”  One of the reasons Bryan has been able to build such a successful virtual culture for so many people is because he’s a master of organization. Intentional with his time and committed to be the best steward possible in all his roles, Bryan is able to achieve success in both his personal and professional life. I was filled with gratitude after interviewing Bryan. He crushed my belief that big companies need an office and left me with a stack of insights that will help JavaPresse grow. He’s also inspired me to be a better man with some simple, yet smart organizational strategies. I’m certain Bryan will inspire you to leverage the benefits that more order can bring for your life too. “Organization makes me happy. Happiness for me is having things in order.” Some questions I ask: Why is having a virtual culture important to you and how does it affect the happiness of you and your employees? (3:13)How does your day begin? Talk me though your daily routine. (6:10)What part of your day is non-negotiable and sacred? (9:20)How do you make yourself a priority when you have so many priorities on your plate? (12:03)How does gratitude play a part in your day-to-day? (15:10)How often do you reflect? (18:50)How did you cultivate a practice of being intentional with your time? (22:00)Tell me more about your new book - Virtual Culture. (28:08)With your book and your business you’re disrupting a mindset about the way we work. What practices help you keep dreaming? (31:20)How do you stay grounded on a daily basis? (35:16) In this episode, you will hear about: Why remote working leads to happiness - and why it’s a decision that can have a positive impact on your business. (4:09)Bryan’s prediction about the next wave of progress in business and the workplace. (5:28)The app that helps Bryan maximize his mornings and keep him accountable. (6:44)The important reason Bryan doesn’t rush right into work at the beginning of the day. (7:04)The surprising, non-negotiable afternoon habit that Bryan used to be embarrassed about. (8:20)Why a color-coded calendar helps Bryan be the person he needs to be - in all his roles. (9:51)How Bryan uses gratitude as a power to lift his life. (16:10)Bryan’s technique for journaling and why it’s a part of his legacy for his children. (19:00)Why Bryan’s dad shifted his perception and motivations around time. (22.28)Top tips for finding and working with a mentor. (26:00)Bryan’s manifesto and why this ‘line in the sand’ drives him everyday. (30:47)The word that helps Bryan stay grounded and be more present in everyday life. (35:35) How to contact BryanYou can discover more about BELAY Solutions at www.belaysolutions.com. You can check out Bryan’s new book - Virtual Culture - at www.virtualculturebook.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Life’s too short to not follow your dreams.” On October 10, 2014 Lauren Raja’s life was turned upside down. After watching her husband, Justin die in a boating accident, Lauren became a widow. She was just 32.  Crippled by grief, Lauren spent hours staring at the wall - not knowing how to live, until memories of ‘Mamma Jean’ gave her the strength to get back on her feet. Lauren realized she had to learn to channel her anger and grief in a better way - so she created Justin Jean Pajamas. Named after two people that she loved and lost, Lauren’s story is proof that hope can come from tragedy and that loss can become a catalyst to inspire others.  “It took me being at my lowest point to really figure outwhat I wanted out of life.”  Thanks to her pajamas, Lauren was inspired to never give up. More than sleepwear, Lauren’s pajamas are a legacy to Justin and Mamma Jean. The logo was crafted from their signatures. Polka dot pajamas were chosen because Justin loved spotty socks and Jean was a seamstress. The three playful ruffles in each design represent Lauren’s values of authenticity, integrity, and passion while the branded hearts inspire her customers to live their dream. Fuelled by the depth of love she gave and received from Justin and Jean, Lauren is proof that you can #RockTheRuffles, even after the most painful loss. I’m certain Lauren’s story will inspire you to ‘make today count’ as it did for me. “It’s amazing the response you get when you put your whole heart into something and show people that you love what you do.” Some questions I ask: After your loss, how did you use a routine to help you get back on your feet? (4:32)What role does coffee play in your life and how does it help you accomplish things? (9:08)You talk about the power of example, what advice would you give to others to help them find their role model? (15:35)How do you hold yourself accountable and keep yourself on track everyday? (19:07)What role does gratitude play in your life? (21:19)How did you develop your mindset for success? (26:44)How do you stay grounded? (34:22)What do you do everyday to help you stay happy? (37:31) In this episode, you will hear about: The incredible story of Mamma Jean and how she helped Lauren get back on her feet. (5:13)What Lauren thinks about coffee and how it connects to her business. (9:33)The number 1 thing you need to do to move forward after a tragedy. (15:53)The mistake most people make about taking chances. (17:27)The importance of surrounding yourself with good people. (20:00)How loss turned up the gratitude in Lauren’s life. (21:40)The three people Lauren started her business to honor. (30:44)Lauren’s incredible plans for the future. (35:06) How to contact LaurenYou can #RockTheRuffles and check out Lauren’s beautiful range of pajamas at www.justinjeanpjs.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” - Brene Brown In my search for contagious happiness, I’ve explored a number of practices and strategies. And daily gratitude is one of those simple practices that has fundamentally changed how I feel. That’s because gratitude is a source for instant happiness. Find something appreciate and good feelings fill you instantly. Better still, gratitude is easy to practice because there’s always something to feel thankful for - even something as simple as the feel of the breeze on your skin or an incredible sunset. But here’s what really surprised me… When you make gratitude a daily habit, you’ll find that it helps you cope with hardships. It’s not just a strategy for the good times. That’s why I say gratitude is your cheat code. To find out more, listen in to this podcast. It’s a short one - just over 6 minutes so a perfect coffee break treat. In this episode I talk about: Why gratitude is like a muscle - and what that means for your daily practice. (00:30)The many languages of gratitude. (00:59)What to feel gratitude for. (02:59)Why a daily gratitude practice becomes an abundant well that you can draw upon to fuel your day - even through the bad times. (02:10)When gratitude becomes a cheat code. (02:30)How (and when) to practice gratitude. (04:52) “Gratitude is the cheat code to help you stand withthe power of the world behind your back.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“You are the author of your own story.You can create any reality you want.” Nearing the peak of his Hollywood screenwriting career, Marc Gutman walked away from it all. This decision wasn’t in the life plan! In love with stories and the movies, Marc had a shot most writers only dream about. Working for the likes of Disney and Oliver Stone, Marc rubbed shoulders with some of Hollywood’s greats. But looking down the road, he was shocked at the people further ahead. 30-year-old screenwriters earning millions, living in their big Californian homes - they ‘had it all’, but they weren’t happy. Marc’s Hollywood dream wasn’t living up to his expectations. So Marc came to Boulder - to the mountains - to get clarity on his next steps... and then never left!  Marc realized he wanted to tell real stories, rather than Hollywood fiction. He wanted to write about the things that mattered to him rather than focusing on what would sell.  So he started Wild Story to help entrepreneurs use storytelling to engage their customers.  And in doing so, he figured out a way to do what he loved in a way that works for him. “Being happy takes work. So to think that it shows up without intention, without cost, without compromise to other things in your life, I think would be misguided.”  Marc’s story is one of putting your happiness first - and willingly making the sacrifices needed to make this happen. In this episode, Marc shares the strategies, decisions, and daily actions that help him live life his way. From his daily cup of coffee to long walks with his wife, Marc has found a way to live his story - and feel good in the process. His story has inspired me and I’m sure it will do the same for you too.  “The one thing that is 100% always in my life is a cup of coffee - always.” Some questions I ask: How do you live your story better? How do you use your story to fuel happiness? (10:05)How do you set up your day so you can get started and keep moving? (13:54)How have you setup your business so you can be happy? (20:24)What things don’t get compromised no matter where you are? (25:08)What tips can you share for staying more present and focused on the now? (27:30)What role does gratitude play in your life? (36:17)In the midst of your successes and achievements, what do you come back to so you stay grounded? (39:42) In this episode, you will hear about: Marc’s route to Hollywood. (1.22)Why Marc’s Hollywood dream didn’t measure up in reality. (4:20)Why soul-searching helped Marc discover what he loved. (8:30)The life-changing event that forced Marc to reassess his life. (14:27)How Marc ensures his priorities aren’t compromised. (18:45)How Marc redefines the cost of the things that make him happy. (22:15)The one thing that’s 100% always in Marc’s day. (26:03)The reality check that Marc uses to help him manage a crossroads. (30.28)How Marc’s mantra helps stay happy - even when the day ahead is challenging. (32:15)The powerful reframe that can change how you feel about your day, instantly. (32:50)Marc’s simple happiness tip. (35:10) How to contact MarcYou can find out more about Marc’s storytelling work at www.wildstory.com.Contact Marc at marc@wildstory.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Anything worth doing is worth overdoing.” - Daymond John Last month I had a close encounter with a Shark. It wasn’t in the water and it wasn’t in a tank either. Instead, I was one of four lucky winners (out of thousands of entries in a competition organized by Belay Solutions. And my prize was pretty epic! I got to have a one-to-one mentoring session with the People’s Shark himself - Daymond John. I’m hugely grateful to Belay Solutions for organizing such an epic prize - and of course to Daymond himself for his time and invaluable insights, which are going to catalyse my 2018 plans. In this podcast, I share what it was like to visit Atlanta and be in the same room as Daymond - what I learned from him, and how he’s changed my trajectory for 2018. I promise you’ll hear plenty of ideas to inspire your 2018 too. So why not join me (with your favorite cup of Joe) and discover how a Shark could hold the answers you need to make this year incredible. In this episode I talk about: How I felt meeting Daymond himself. (02:16)How Daymond’s rags to riches story inspired me. (02:50)Lessons from being starstruck and why I needed that experience. (03:25)The one piece of advice Daymond gave me that will change my trajectory this year (and why this advice applies to you too). (05:57)Where success comes from and the importance of waiting for the compound effect to kick in. (07:06)Where my eyes will be focused in the months ahead. (08:38) “Stay focused on what’s in front of you. Perfect every moment. Focus on laying every brick perfectly until you have the wall of your dreams.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“The best teachers are those to whom the material they teach did not come easily.” Nataly Kogan is a TEDx speaker, the CEO Of Happier.com and a recognised expert on the subject of happiness - so I’m super pumped to be able to get her onto the Stay Grounded podcast. Nataly’s story is an inspiration too. Born in the USSR, Nataly and her parents became refugees when she was just 11. Making her way through numerous refugee camps, Nataly eventually arrived in the USA - excited about her ‘American Dream’. Driven by the belief that she’d be happy if she accomplished a long list of goals, Nataly pushed herself to the top. She achieved huge success in her business and professional life, but after two decades of hustle, she burned out. Worse still, she hadn’t found the happiness she imagined, but instead hit a wall. This was the trigger that made Nataly quit her high-profile executive career and start seeking out the small, micro-habits that when practiced daily, can fundamentally change the quality of your life. And it’s these micro-habits that Nataly shares in this podcast. “Happiness is a practice, not a feeling.”  Nataly and I first met at an entrepreneur’s retreat in the spring of 2017 and we instantly hit it off. Out of all the people I met that weekend, she was my favorite! Thanks to our shared commitment to spreading happiness, we had a lot to talk about! And I was blown away by Nataly's insight and perspective. I loved how her entire message hinges on small, simple practices that make a huge difference - and her ideas are all scientifically-backed too. Nataly’s goal is simple, but audacious. She’s here to inspire millions of people to make tiny, tiny, tiny changes to their routine that will help them live a fully, happier, more meaningful life. And in this podcast, you’ll discover some of her most powerful (and easy to try practices). It’s a big claim, but I stand by it. This podcast contains ideas and insights that could change how you feel - for good. So brew a coffee, grab a notebook and pen, and prepare to be wowed.  “You cannot give what you don’t have.You can only give what you have.” Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Putting yourself first is not selfish Quite the opposite. You must put your health and happiness first before you can be of help to anyone else.” - Simon Sinek With the New Year just around the corner, it’s a perfect time to reflect and think about the year ahead and get clear on what you want to leave behind.  You got it! It’s that time for New Year’s Resolutions and goal setting!  But goals can be hard to achieve when you lack foundations that inspire success and enable accomplishment.  In this episode, I reflect on the key success strategies discussed by Allen Brouwer in his podcast interview.  Allen is a high performer and has achieved some incredible successes in a very short space of time. What’s fascinating about Allen’s accomplishments is they’ve been built on the back of some very powerful self-care habits. So in this episode, I reflect on the importance of filling yourself first - to empower yourself with the energy and mindset that enables success. I hope you hear something that helps you make 2018 a good year for you.  In this episode I talk about: The power of the words - I’ll never let myself feel this way again. (1:16)How accountability can be used as a tool for positive change. (2.00)The reason the first step is the most important step. (2:40)Why I promised to donate $500 to a cause I didn’t believe in. (4:00)Why front-loading your day helps you be the best version of yourself. (5:33)My two non-negotiables that set me up for a great day. (7:52)Why Allen’s gratitude tip has made me a lot happier. (8:07)How to get off the hamster wheel of negativity. (9:38)My biggest takeaway from Allen. (11:19)How I’m putting reflection on its head. (12:17)“Instead of thinking about where you want to be, take a couple of moments to think about how far you’ve come”  Enjoyed this reflection? Make sure you listen to the full interview with Allen Brouwer: [Ep. 3] From Rock-Bottom To Forbes 30 Under 30 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“There’s no such thing as natural born talent.” Rewind to December 2014 and my guest today was at rock-bottom. With a negative bank account he couldn’t even afford to buy his fiance a Christmas card. But it was in this lowest of places that Allen Brouwer found the clarity he needed to transform his life. Faced with the cold realization that he’d been a ‘wantrepreneur’ playing at business, he decided to stop pointing the finger elsewhere and take 100% responsibility for his life. Now, just three years later, Allen has created remarkable success from nothing. He became a self-improvement junkie who studied the world’s top-performers and frantically implementing everything he learned. His investment in himself paid off. He co-founded BestSelf.Co - a winner of Shopify’s first Build a BIGGER Business competition. He made the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2016, and is a sought after scale and growth coach. “Know that anything you want to do is 100% possible. The only limitation you have is in your own mind.” We all have dreams for a better life and Allen is proof that you can create a life you feel proud of - regardless of your start point. I find Allen’s story of rapid turnaround so inspiring because he’s entirely self-made. All of his current success tracks back to the habits and decisions he decided to implement that Christmas in 2014. And now you can do the same. That’s because in this podcast, Allen shares, in detail, the habits that have empowered him to become his best self. Covering everything from his unique gratitude practice, to his non-negotiable morning routine, to the importance coffee has to his day, this podcast will inspire you to cultivate the basics that can change your life too. “Changing your frame into a positive mindset triggers you to act with 100% belief.” Some questions I ask:What advice do you have for people who may be at rock bottom and want to turn that into fuel? (8:07)How did you go about fostering positivity on a daily basis? (9:30)What role do routines play in your life? (18:32)What are some of the non-negotiables that you distill your day down to? (20:59)How does gratitude weave into your life? (30:09)How do you #StayGrounded - and keep your head considering how rapidly your life has changed? (39:13) In this episode, you will hear about:The trigger moment when Allen decided to change his life and become 100% accountable to himself. (7:50)Advice for turning rock-bottom into fuel for change and transformation. (8:07)Why everything changed when Allen looked at his life in 30-minute chunks. (12:25)The role that routines play in Allen’s life. (18:32)A list of non-negotiables that Allen distills his day down to. (20:59)How Allen was able to cultivate a habit of being so intentional with his time. (30:09)Allen’s most recommended book. (31:40)Allen’s advice for picking yourself up when you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. (35:13) How to contact AllenDownload a free PDF version of the SELF Journal at www.bestself.coSave 10% in the Best Self store with the code JavaPresse10Follow Allen on Facebook - www.facebook.com/akbrouwer Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.